FROM GEODIVERSITY TO CULTURAL NARRATIVES: AN INTEGRATED ECOCULTURAL TOURISM FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN BELITONG UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK, INDONESIA

Abstract

Belitong UNESCO Global Geopark possesses outstanding geological, biological, and cultural resources; however, its tourism development has predominantly emphasized geodiversity, while cultural heritage remains insufficiently integrated into destination management. This study develops an integrated ecocultural tourism framework that positions cultural heritage as a core component of sustainable geopark development. A qualitative exploratory approach was employed through a systematic literature review, field observations, semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, and focus group discussions. The collected data were analysed using SWOT analysis supported by Internal Factor Analysis Summary (IFAS) and External Factor Analysis Summary (EFAS) matrices to formulate strategic development priorities. The findings reveal that Belitong Global Geopark possesses substantial strengths, including rich geodiversity, biodiversity, tangible and intangible cultural heritage, strong community participation, and UNESCO Global Geopark status. The IFAS–EFAS assessment places the geopark in Quadrant I, indicating that an aggressive (SO) strategy is the most appropriate approach for sustainable destination development. The proposed framework prioritises the integration of cultural narratives into geotourism interpretation, community empowerment, conservation-based tourism products, responsible digital promotion, and collaborative governance among stakeholders. This study contributes theoretically by advancing an ecocultural perspective that challenges conventional geocentric geopark management and methodologically by combining qualitative inquiry with structured strategic analysis. The proposed framework offers a transferable model for integrating geoheritage conservation, cultural sustainability, and community-based tourism in UNESCO Global Geoparks and comparable heritage destinations worldwide.